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Ephesians 2:1-10

 

[Grace and Peace] EPHESIANS_

 

[Activity] Spend some time exploring the logical flow of Ephesians 2:1-10…

 


Describe a time when you chose a wrong direction, whether it was while driving, in a relationship or some other situation.

 

[Read Ephesians 2:1-7]

 

We live in a world where human beings, if left to their own devices, not only chose the wrong direction, but continue along as if it is the right direction.
In verses 1-2, what do we see as the forces that lure us (or compel us) to go in the wrong direction spiritually?

 

 

What reasons have you heard other people give for the direction that they’re going in their life?

 

 

In verse 3, according to Paul, what characterises people who are going in the wrong direction?

 

 

What does verses 4-6 tell us about what God has done to get us back on the right path?

 

Why does God love us so much?

 

 

In verses 4-6 we’re told that God made us alive and raised us up with Christ.
What does verse 7 say that God wants to accomplish by this?

 

[Read Ephesians 2:8-10]

 

In verses 8-9, what is the means of our salvation?

 

 

 

Paul’s gospel message is all about grace… God’s free, undeserved gift.
However, many people think/act like they can earn their salvation by doing good works.
Do you ever feel like you need to earn God’s favour or grace?
If so, why do you think it’s hard for you to accept God’s grace as a free gift?

 

 

In verse 10, why did God save us?

 

 

 

The “good works” that Paul mentions in verse 10 are not the same as the “works of the law” that he talks about in Romans (which marked people as members of the Jewish community).
The “good works” are the ways that Christians can travel in the right direction.
Can you think of any “good works” that God created us to be doing?

 

 

Again, in verse 10, we have one of Paul’s core statements about how Christians are at the centre of God’s new creation. We are referred to as “God’s workmanship”.
This word has multiple layers and pictures attached to it.
It can be understood in an artistic way… like a masterpiece of artwork or sculpture.
It can be understood in a lyrical way… like a beautiful poem or song or like a musical score, where the music that we are all invited to play is this new way of being human.

How do you respond to the idea that you are God’s artistic creation?

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